Santé publique France monitors acute hepatitis A in France through mandatory reporting. This surveillance helps identify clusters of cases, enabling the implementation of measures to prevent new cases from occurring. It also allows for the tailoring of prevention messages and their target audiences. Santé publique France also promotes prevention measures, particularly through the promotion of vaccination.

Epidemiological Surveillance of Hepatitis A

Santé publique France coordinates hepatitis A surveillance in France and collaborates on surveillance at the European level. The system in place allows for the estimation of the disease’s incidence rate and trends. It also enables the detection of clusters or outbreaks so that appropriate control measures can be taken.

Mandatory reporting

The hepatitis A surveillance system established by Santé publique France is based on mandatory reporting of the disease, which has been in effect since November 2005. Physicians and laboratory professionals are required to report every diagnosed case of acute hepatitis A to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) using a specific notification form. The information collected must enable the identification of situations requiring intervention by the ARS around the confirmed case (e.g., individuals working in community settings, the food service industry, etc.).

The ARS also investigates clusters of hepatitis A cases occurring over a specific time period or in the same geographic area to identify a potential common source of infection and propose measures to control the outbreak if necessary. Regional Response Teams may assist with the epidemiological investigation in such situations.

The hepatitis A surveillance system also relies on collaboration with the National Reference Center (NRC) for enterically transmitted hepatitis viruses. Established in 2002, the NRC participates in epidemiological investigations. Its responsibilities also include diagnostic expertise and research activities in the field of hepatitis A.

Participation in the European surveillance system

Santé publique France participates in hepatitis A surveillance at the European level by sharing the annual number of diagnosed hepatitis A cases with the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) and by collaborating with European Union Member States through the sharing of epidemiological information during cross-border outbreaks.

Learn more:
To learn more about the epidemiological situation of hepatitis A in Europe:

• http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/hepatitis-A/

• http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/RRA-19-May-2017_UPDATE_2-HepatitisA-in-mostly-MSM.pdf

Preventive measures against hepatitis A

Santé publique France helps promote vaccination through various tools (website, promotional campaigns, brochures, etc.). We have created an informational website about the different vaccines available in France to provide reliable, scientifically validated answers to questions that the public and healthcare professionals may have on the subject.

A section dedicated to hepatitis A vaccination is available in two separate sections: one for the general public and the other for healthcare professionals, to better support them in their practice.

• Information for the general public

• Information for healthcare professionals

Furthermore, Santé publique France outlines in the “Guide for the Investigation, Prevention, and Support of Acute Hepatitis A Case Management” the recommended hygiene measures to prevent the transmission of hepatitis A in the context of a cluster of cases or an outbreak. These recommendations include the hygiene measures to be adopted and specific vaccination guidelines for these situations.